Get ready to experience the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with savory garlic and rich butter. These Homemade Garlic Knots are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. They are wonderfully soft, chewy, and absolutely drenched in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Forget the pizzeria version; this recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen. We’re breaking down every step to ensure you get perfect, fluffy knots every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a gateway to becoming the star of your next dinner party or family meal. These knots are light and airy on the inside with a satisfyingly chewy crust, making them the perfect vessel for soaking up that delicious garlic butter. They are impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight treat. Plus, the sense of accomplishment from pulling these golden beauties out of the oven is unbeatable.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use basic pantry staples to create something truly special. For the best results, use high-quality ingredients—fresh garlic and good butter make all the difference.
For the Dough
- Warm Water: Crucial for activating the yeast. It should feel like a warm bath, around 110°F (43°C).
- Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and add a subtle depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation of our knots.
- Salt: Essential for flavor and for controlling the yeast’s activity.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
For the Garlic Butter Topping
- Unsalted Butter: The rich, creamy base of our topping.
- Fresh Garlic: The star of the show. Finely minced for maximum flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, herby freshness and a pop of color.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, nutty finish. Optional, but highly recommended.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Homemade Garlic Knots From Scratch (Step-by-Step)
Follow these detailed steps carefully for foolproof garlic knots. The process is straightforward and rewarding, filling your home with the most incredible smells.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Gently stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. The mixture should become foamy or bubbly, which indicates the yeast is alive and active.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, add the olive oil, salt, and about half of the flour to the bowl. Mix with a spoon until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back when you press it gently with a finger.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly grease the mixing bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Knots
Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8-10 inches long. Tie each rope into a simple knot and tuck the ends underneath.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the shaped knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them lightly with the kitchen towel and let them rest for another 20-30 minutes. This second rise will make them extra fluffy. While they rise, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the knots for 12-15 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top. The exact time will depend on your oven.
Step 8: Prepare the Garlic Butter
While the knots are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and salt.
Step 9: Brush with Topping and Serve
As soon as the garlic knots come out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. Serve them warm for the best experience.
The Shortcut: Easy Garlic Knots with Pizza Dough
In a pinch for time? You can make delicious garlic knots using store-bought pizza dough. Simply let the dough come to room temperature, divide it into 12 pieces, and follow steps 5 through 9 of this recipe. It’s a fantastic shortcut for a quick and savory treat.
Pro-Tips for the Best Garlic Knots
- Don’t Kill the Yeast: Ensure your water is warm, not hot. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, and your dough won’t rise.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour, leading to dry, dense knots.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic and parsley for the topping. The flavor is significantly better than dried or powdered versions.
- Generous Topping: Don’t be shy with the garlic butter! Brush it on while the knots are hot so they absorb all that delicious flavor.
Variations and Add-Ins
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations.
Cheesy Garlic Knots
For an extra indulgent treat, sprinkle the knots with shredded mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan in the final step. You can also press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of the dough before tying the knot for a cheesy surprise inside.
Herb Variations
Experiment with other fresh herbs. A little bit of rosemary or thyme in the garlic butter topping can add a wonderful new dimension of flavor.
What to Serve with Garlic Knots
These versatile knots are the perfect companion for a wide variety of meals. They are fantastic for dipping into a hearty soup like our favorite creamy chicken gnocchi soup. They pair beautifully with pasta dishes, especially a rich and savory chicken and garlic parmesan pasta. Or, serve them as a standalone appetizer with a delicious side of bacon cheddar ranch dip for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover garlic knots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until soft and heated through. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds for a quick snack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Garlic Knots
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough through the first rise, then punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before shaping the knots.
Yes, you can use frozen bread or pizza dough. Be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and then let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.
The key to soft garlic knots is proper kneading to develop gluten, ensuring the dough doubles in size during the first rise, and not overbaking them. Store them in an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled to retain moisture.
Garlic knots are incredibly versatile! They are perfect alongside pasta dishes, soups, and salads. They also make a fantastic appetizer on their own, especially when served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
While they use similar dough, the main difference is the shape. Breadsticks are typically straight sticks, while garlic knots are tied into a knot. This knot shape creates more surface area and little pockets to catch the garlic butter topping.
The Best Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe
Homemade Garlic Knots (The Only Recipe You'll Ever Need)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Make Dough: Add olive oil, salt, and half the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix, then gradually add the remaining flour until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Knots: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-10 inch rope and tie it into a knot, tucking the ends under.
- Second Rise: Place knots on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 20-30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare Topping: While knots bake, melt butter in a saucepan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in parsley, Parmesan, and salt.
- Finish: As soon as the knots are out of the oven, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure your water isn't too hot, as it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a little heat.
Share Your Creations!
We are so excited for you to try this Homemade Garlic Knots recipe! There’s nothing better than sharing warm, homemade bread with people you love. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it later!
